At the time of publication, USAID was working closely with Government of Nepal officials and partners to help distribute relief supplies for victims of the April 25 earthquake. Our thoughts are with the people of the Nepal as they recover. For information about USAID efforts in Nepal, see http://www.usaid.gov/nepal.

To highlight the Water Strategy’s focus on Africa and water for food, two pieces in this issue examine how we’re helping farmers become more resilient there. Eric Postel, Associate Administrator of USAID and Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Economic Growth, and Environment and Assistant to the Administrator for Africa, gives his perspective on the importance of improving agricultural water management across the continent. He addresses the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in water scarce regions. He also points out that smarter management of natural resources can make transformative change that lasts. Our Real Impact piece zeros in on this issue in Ethiopia and Senegal by exploring the R4 Rural Resilience Project’s work to help farmers get insurance, pool savings, and better manage water and other natural resources.

The On the Waterfront story looks at our partnerships with the governments and people in the Lower Mekong to boost resiliency through cooperative action. We are working with the region’s scientists, public officials, farmers, and other stakeholders to find socially and environmentally sustainable ways for them to adapt to climate change and safeguard their key resources.

Lack of sanitation is another problem that threatens people around the globe. This issue’s In Focus piece looks at our new Sanitation Service Delivery Program, which is working with banks, micro-finance institutions, and local and multi-national companies in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana to build a sustainable, business-fueled sanitation model for one million city dwellers. We have been impressed by the vibrancy of the private sector and its potential to transform sanitation in one of the world’s most underserved regions.

Finally, as a follow-up to our last issue, the Water Office is hosting public webinars with an in-depth look at the five key themes highlighted in the Water and Development Strategy. These online sessions look at how the Agency defines and will approach WASH and nutrition, sanitation, agricultural water management, sustainability of WASH services, and water quality. The webinars are available for viewing on USAID’s website. To learn more about our approach to water and development, take a look and share the link.

We hope you enjoy this issue!